Are you spending too much on golf tee times? Especially now, after the Covid pandemic resulted in a golf boom and increased golfing prices which haven't let up? Let's explore how to play for less.
Pick the time that's easiest on your wallet
Twilight rates: Many courses offer discounted "twilight" rates starting in the late afternoon, even on weekends. But you'll probably be limited to squeezing in only 9 holes before sunset. (Maybe pack some glow in the dark golf balls, just in case.)
Weekdays: Obviously, you'll save money if you can play weekdays instead of weekends and holidays. Just beware that some courses don't consider Friday to be a weekday, and charge weekend rates. (What?!)
Play preferred senior times: If you're over 60, you probably know to choose tee times when discounted senior rates are in effect. You'll need to check how your course handles this, because there's a lot of variety. My home course, for example, offers senior rates all day Mondays and Tuesdays, after noon on Wednesday-Friday, and not at all on weekends.
Play when it's hot: If you live in a climate that's hot in the summer and are willing to play when most prefer to avoid, you can probably get a better rate.
Seasonal swings: Winter or "off-season" rates can be much lower than during peak summer months. Embrace the cooler weather and enjoy affordable rounds.
Dynamic pricing: A growing number of golf courses use "dynamic pricing," which adjusts rates based on demand and weather. If you can be flexible with your schedule, check prices and times to find the best dynamic deals.
Sign up for email course alerts: Subscribe to email lists of local courses. Many send out alerts when they have tee times they want to fill (often for a discount). If you use GolfNow, you'll get similar tee-time alerts for courses in your area.
Become a course regular
Loyalty programs: Many courses offer loyalty programs that give you discounted greens fee, and/or punch cards to pay in advance for multiple discounted rounds. Consider these if you plan to play the course regularly.
Become a member. Annual memberships at golf courses vary widely in price, from under $1,000 a year to several thousand dollars. Some offer unlimited play for no extra fee, while others charge a nominal per-round charge on top of the annual fee. If your schedule allows, buy a weekday-only membership and save a bunch of money. (My home course offers unlimited free range balls as part of the annual membership. It also includes free use of the course's Toptracer system on the driving range. Unlimited range balls is a great benefit, if you can get it.)
Look for deals on tee times
Buy coupons at golf expos: Many major cities have an annual golf expo, where area courses typically offer pre-paid cards for multiple discounted rounds. (Sometimes such deals include a cart, so if you'd otherwise prefer to walk, this won't save you money.)
Use deals websites and apps: Websites and phone apps like GolfNow and TeeOff offer discounted tee times. Compare prices across platforms to find the best deal. (As with coupons, tee-time deals offered may include a cart, so you probably won't save money over the standard walking rate.)
Buy a golf-deals book: For a reasonable annual fee, golf discount books offer deals on courses in your region. In Colorado, where I live, there's the Green Saver, for example.
Beware, seniors: Deals like those above may not be better than a course's standard senior rate. But if you want to play some resort courses in your region, and they don't offer senior rates, the ideas above might save you some green.
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